Sankofa: An African-American's Journey from Living in a Car in Pittsburgh to Visiting Accra, Ghana

Living in a car was never something I imagined for myself. Yet, after years of struggling with poverty and unsteady work, I found myself doing just that. It didn't take me long to realize living in a car wasn't cheap either. Between parking fees, gas prices, and rental fees, it seemed my expenses were mounting quickly - especially during the cold winter months!

But despite these obstacles, there was one thing that kept me going — my dream of visiting Accra, Ghana - the ancestral homeland of African-Americans like me.

When I first began researching the possibility of traveling from my home state of Pennsylvania to West Africa, I had no idea that it would be possible for me to make such a journey while living in a car. Yet, with some creative planning and budgeting, this dream has turned into a reality. With the Akan concept of Sankofa in mind—returning to our ancestral homeland—I made the decision to embark on this journey.

I knew living in a car would present its own challenges during the wintertime: staying warm and safe while traveling through unfamiliar places. But with careful planning and some strategic investments (like buying new tires), I realized that living in my car could actually be cheaper than finding an apartment or room to rent.

So, I set out on a journey that would take me from the frigid winter of Pittsburgh all the way across the world to Accra, Ghana – a place filled with hope and possibility. Along the way, I encountered new friends, experienced different cultures, and learned valuable lessons about resilience and determination. Finally arriving in Accra was an emotional experience; it felt like coming home in many ways.

Now that I’ve made this trip, I know it’s possible for others living frugally in their cars to take an international trip as well. With careful planning and some luck along the way, you too can see your ancestral homeland – no matter where you start from. It’s a journey full of hope and possibility that I would encourage anyone to take – no matter their circumstances.

Here's What You'll Need to consider if you're making a similar move, wherever you feel called to:

- Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport and that it won’t expire within 6 months of your intended return date.

- Visas: Check the visa requirements for Ghana, as some nationalities may need to apply in advance.

- Immunizations: Get necessary immunizations such as Yellow Fever Vaccine before traveling to West Africa - this is a must.

- Accommodation: Research affordable accommodation options such as Airbnb or Couchsurfing to save money while abroad. There are so many options, from teaching opportunities to standard resorts to apps, finding accommodation is really dependent on your current expectations - and your budget.

- Plane Tickets: Shop around for plane tickets in advance and look for deals like special discounts or one-way flights to maximize savings. There are tons of ways to save on plane tickets. Keep your budget in mind, and prioritize living frugally - even abroad!

- Pack Light: When you're traveling, it's crucial to pack only the essentials. One way to achieve that is by carrying only essential items that you'll really need during the trip, such as clothes, toiletries, and electronics. This not only makes your luggage easier to manage, but it also lets you enjoy your trip with peace of mind! And if you're packing a Lapton, keep in mind that some airlines require electronics to be in carry-on luggage.

-Plan on how you are going to be getting around. If you don't know any Twi, then using Uber is going to be your best option. There are really affordable ways to get around, but without a basic knowledge of the local languages, Uber really is your best bet.

Making this journey from living in a car in Pittsburgh to visiting Accra, Ghana has been an incredible experience. Not only have I seen my ancestral homeland – something that many African-Americans can only dream of – but I’ve also been reminded of how resilient and determined we can be when faced with seemingly impossible obstacles.

The truth is that this kind of international trip isn’t out of reach for anyone who dares to take it on. With careful planning and some luck, you too can embark on this profoundly meaningful journey – no matter where you start from. The hope and possibility that awaits you will be worth every penny spent!